Establishing an intergenerational falls prevention gardening programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Project GROW: Establishing and testing a new intergenerational falls prevention gardening programme to improve physical activity levels, health and wellbeing in older people at risk of falling
IRAS ID
220793
Contact name
Sandra Klaperski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Roehampton
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
LSC/2016/55, UoR internal grant application number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 13 days
Research summary
Wandsworth Integrated Falls and Bone Health Service (IF & BHS) provides an evidence-based falls prevention exercise programme, but yearly about 500 of 1800 patients decline participation or do not continue to exercise. Our study seeks to address this efficiency gap by developing a gardening programme as an alternative to traditional exercise. In a preparation period (4/17-5/17) we will explore the special needs of the target population through interviews and create an age appropriate gardening site at “Growhampton”, a gardening project run by the University of Roehampton; from 5/17 to 9/17 a falls prevention gardening group will be implemented and evaluated.
The key purpose of the study is to provide and test an intergenerational gardening project as a choice for about 30 IF & BHS patients who would otherwise decline exercise interventions. Gardening sessions will take place weekly (aiming for 3 groups with 10 patients and 2-4 students and/or staff members of the University of Roehampton). Through engaging patients in gardening activities the study seeks to achieve 4 main aims: 1. Increase physical activity levels; 2. improve mental and physical health outcomes; 3. foster self-efficacy and social connectedness; 4. reduce the risk of falls. The at falls risk population will benefit by engaging in a meaningful activity (designed and supported by clinicians and aided by students and staff members) which delivers on the core principles of strength, power, balance and coordination. Patients previously assessed by Wandsworth Integrated Falls & Bone Health Services have identified gardening as an enjoyable alternative to exercise classes. The study is being funded by the South West London Academic Health and Social Care System. Participants will be identified and recruited at Wandsworth Integrated Falls & Bone Health Services.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0543
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion